“It’s going to bring back a lot of memories from us traveling out of town, missing him in the gym. His spirit is in the gym already and the kids are just ready to put on a good show for Dwayne Lewis tonight,” Lewis’ coach Daryl Jones said.

Boxers from Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati were in town for the tournament.

Jones said Lewis boxed every day after school.

“The kids are going to remember him by his smile, his happiness and talking about boxing and football. You know, he always came in the gym and played with the little kids then he would mess with the coach, which is me. That’s going to be missed, just to hear his voice,” Jones said.

Police said Julius White, 24, allegedly kidnapped and killed Lewis. They have not said how the suspect and victim knew each other.

The boxing tournament began at 6 p.m.

White is still in the Hamilton County Jail on a $1 million bond. Police said their case was not closed.